A Continuous Ramp Is The Best Choice For The Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway

The Delaware River Port Authority will be holding a public meeting for the Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway Ramp tonight (May 14th). The meeting facilitators will present the proposed alternatives for the design of the ramp and offer an opportunity for the public to comment.

Of the three proposed designs alternatives, the Bicycle Coalition urges the DRPA Board to select the single continuous ramp, aka "Alternative 2." This option calls for a single continuous ramp that follows the slope of the bridge and widens a section of the existing walkways that narrows down to 5 feet as it approaches the existing stair tower.

A continuous ramp that does not switch back and improves the existing narrow section of the walkway would maximize user convenience, allow for continuous eastbound travel to downtown Camden and points beyond, and further enhance transportation options for pedestrians, bicyclists and wheelchair users without busting the project’s budget. Once completed, the ramp will be a centerpiece of  The Circuit regional trail network and will connect to existing and planned street improvement and trail projects on both sides of the Delaware River.

We urge Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents invested in this issue to attend the meeting and voice your support for the single continuous ramp option. The meeting is taking place at:

Tonight, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
DRPA Board Room
11th Floor, One Port Center (on the waterfront)
Camden, NJ 

Can't make it to the meeting? Email your comments on the project to bikeramp@drpa.org. Comment forms are available here for download and may be mailed to Delaware River Port Authority, Customer Service, One Port Center, 2 Riverside Drive, P.O. BOX 1949, Camden, NJ 08101.

After the jump you can see the three ramp designs being proposed.
Alternative 1 - Multiple Switchbacks by John Boyle

Alternative 2 - Straight Ramp (BCGP Preferred) by John Boyle

Alternative 3 - Switchback by John Boyle